THANE, June 20 -- After a series of fatal road accidents and mounting concerns over worsening congestion, the Thane Rural police have set up a dedicated traffic branch for the first time since the creation of the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) commissionerate in 2020. The absence of a dedicated traffic wing in the stretch often resulted in rampant traffic violations and fatalities due to speeding, like the Sunday's BMW accident, which occurred in the same jurisdiction at an unopened highway, highlighting the importance of manning the stretch and enforcing strict rules. The newly constituted unit, comprising 45 personnel drawn from various police wings, will oversee traffic management across more than 2,000 sq km under the Thane Rural jurisdiction. The force has been deployed across 11 police stations covering Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Ganeshpuri, Kulgaon, Kasara and Murbad, and will monitor major routes, including the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, Mumbai-Vadodara-Delhi Highway and Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Additional Superintendent of Police Anmol Mittal said the newly formed unit will be equipped with breath analysers and interceptor vehicles and will work with the Highway Patrol....